Flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film

ABSTRACT

The invention refers to a flood or gravity irrigation system by channels using plastic film that aims to make water consumption more efficient and reduce the loss of water from filtration; characterized by the use of plastic film with the width necessary to form a transport channel for a flow of flood irrigation water between furrows, and long enough to cover the length of the furrows; said film includes along its entire length, distributed equidistantly or not, a large amount of perforations and/or frangible sections defined by tapering lines or by a succession of small perforations or cuts that create different shapes, which can be removed to create successive, alternating, or discontinuous perforations in the film, through which water is distributed to the root system of the crops, according to the type of crop and the required amounts of water. Said plastic film is installed manually or with a machine in the valleys made between the furrows, creating a transport channel for irrigation water and with its side edges buried in the sides of the furrow, completely covering the valleys and part of the sides of the furrow.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to agriculture in general, and in particular it is related to the methods and irrigation systems for different agricultural crops. More specifically, it is related to an innovative flood or gravity flow irrigation system by channels using plastic film that seeks to make the consumption of water more efficient and reduce the loss of water through filtration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, there are different agricultural irrigation systems that have the main objective of bringing water to the soil and mainly to the root system of cultivated plants, so that they have the supply necessary for their growth and development. The most well-known methods are gravity flow or flood irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and drip irrigation.

In the gravity flow or flood system, the water is moved by gravity, meaning that the water flows down the slope of the furrows and does not require extra energy to be moved. The quality of irrigation depends on the systemization of the land from the beginning, and therefore it is very important to have a good slope in the plot to be irrigated, as well as create adequately designed furrows, particularly related to their orientation and length.

The most traditional flood or gravity flow irrigation system consists of sending the water through channels that guide the water to the cultivated plots, where it is then supplied to the channels perpendicular to the furrows which distribute the water to the upper ends of the plot furrows. From there, the water is distributed to the furrows, and then flows by gravity following the slope of the land until it finally arrives at the end of each furrow, soaking the troughs of the furrows on its way.

In one of the modalities of this system, a supply main (hoses, PVC or aluminum pipes, etc.) located at the end of the furrows is used, and nozzles, valves, and openings pour water onto the furrows, a process which aims to avoid the loss of water on its way to the plots.

In this system the water runs the entire length of the furrows until their ends, thereby irrigating the entire surface. It is an inexpensive system, however, the waste of water and the non-uniformity of the soil irrigation does not permit an even productivity throughout the land.

The aforementioned gravity flow or flood irrigation systems represent the most inexpensive systems in terms of installation, because they only require that the water be allowed to run down the furrows. The problem is that there is non-uniformity of irrigation for all of the crops; the first plants receive large amounts of water and the plants toward the end of the rows receive almost none. Another important problem presented by this system is that a large amount of water used is because the channel must be filled up to its far end. Furthermore, this type of irrigation must be carried out several times during the agricultural cycle, which increases the consumption, and consequently the high loss of water from filtration.

Additionally, a non-uniform distribution of water throughout the land has an even bigger impact when considering the use of fertilizers and herbicides, etc.

Moreover, each irrigation application requires labor, which in the end elevates the cost per farming hectare; and when there is not a stream or river nearby, bringing water to the channels at the beginning of each furrow represents a significant electric expense since this is carried out using pumps.

Moistening the entire surface of the channel as well as the ridge of the furrow promotes the growth of weeds, and the system does not allow for a modification in soil temperature or the retention of moisture for the plants, since the moisture is lost easily to evaporation.

Another disadvantage of such a system is that it does not stimulate the growth of the plant by reflecting light or prevent the attack of organisms that are harmful to crops.

In the sprinkler irrigation system, the water is applied to the soil in the form of rain, using devices to emit water called sprinklers that generate a stream of water in the form of a spray. The water comes out of pressurized sprinklers and it gets there through a network of tubes with a complexity and length that depend on the dimensions and configuration of the plot being irrigated. One of the fundamental characteristics of this system is that a pump system is required in order to develop the necessary elevated pressure to get the water to the plots needing irrigation.

With sprinkler irrigation, it is expensive to acquire all of the equipment necessary, and the level of evaporation is very high (moisture is not retained) which is why it is necessary to irrigate many times during the agricultural cycle, causing an excessive use of water and electrical energy.

Other inconveniences of said irrigation system are that it does not control the growth of weeds, change the temperature of the soil, retain moisture for the plants, stimulate the growth of the plant by reflecting light, or ward off aphids or other organisms that are harmful to plants. The drip irrigation system does not apply water to and entire area of soil, but rather only to a specific area. Just like with sprinkler irrigation, the water is circulated by pressure through a system of tubes extended over the surface of the soil or buried in it, finally coming out of irrigation emitters integrated in the tubes with little or no pressure through openings which are generally small in size.

In these systems it is necessary to have a pump system which provides pressure to move the water, as well as particular elements of filtration and water treatment before the water is circulated through the network of tubes. These are used to avoid blocks in the emitters caused by the accumulation of salts, one of the most frequent problems. These elements are installed at the exit of the pumps in the designated end of irrigation. A precise design, a large investment in equipment, and meticulous maintenance are required, resulting in a costly process that can only be taken on with crops of high commercial value.

When using drip irrigation, there is a risk that the emitters can become blocked, and when this problem exists, that area is left without water dosage, causing those plants to die; such a problem is created when applying the irrigation with water filtration and incorporating chemicals like fertilizers using these systems. If an animal bites the tube, the entire furrow is left without water as well as the entire area that depends on the flow from that furrow or tube.

Other inconveniences of this system are that it requires very costly equipment and a large amount of electrical energy. Furthermore, it does not permit the growth of weeds, change the temperature of the soil, retain moisture for the plants, or stimulate the growth of the plant by reflecting light. It also does not ward off aphids or other organisms that are harmful to plants.

The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film was developed in response to the inconveniences described above, and to the fact that agricultural activity requires more and more technological innovations to provide better profitability and cost-benefit ratio, and moreover, the considerable conservation of water for the risks to agricultural crops that permits a sustainable management of resources using only the optimal volume needed to produce crops.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

The main objective of the present invention is to provide an innovative flood irrigation system by channel using plastic film that achieves an efficient use and management of water in the optimal quantities for risks to the different agricultural crops without the loss from evaporation or filtration, which is also easy to install.

Another objective of the invention is to permit said flood irrigation system by channel using plastic film to be economical in terms of production, sale, and installation.

One more objective of the invention is to make said flood irrigation system by channel using plastic film available, in order to also permit an increase in the production of plants and fruits per hectare in agricultural crops.

Another objective is to permit said flood irrigation system by channel using plastic film to also reduce the consumption of water used for irrigation by up to one third, compared to the traditional form of flood irrigation.

Furthermore, another objective of the invention is to permit said flood system of irrigation by channel using plastic film to maintain moisture in the soil for a prolonged time, which offers an atmosphere that is more favorable for growth and development of the plants.

Another objective of the invention is to make available said flood system of irrigation by channel using plastic film which will also allow a modification in the temperature of the soil, creating more favorable conditions for plant development.

Another objective of the flood system of irrigation by channel using plastic film is to avoid soil erosion and degradation and to conserve healthier soil.

Still another objective of the invention is to provide said flood system of irrigation by channel using plastic film, which will also permit the control of weed growth by preventing sunlight from passing through the surface where the film is located, leaving all soil nutrients for the cultivated plants.

Yet another objective of the invention is to make available said flood system of irrigation by channel using plastic film, which permits the application and distribution of fertilizers and herbicides diluted in the water that passes through said channel with plastic film, which implies significant savings and makes the process more effective.

Still another objective of the invention is to permit said flood irrigation system by channel using plastic film, to also stimulate light fertilization of the plants and prevent the attack of harmful organism (such as aphids) using reflective colors on the plastic film which repel them, in cases where the film has reflective colors.

Yet another objective of the invention is to make available said flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, which will also imply a significant savings on fertilizers, herbicides, water, energy, and labor.

And all of these qualities and objectives will become apparent upon carrying out a general and detailed description of the present invention, and will be supported by the modalities illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, the flood irrigation system by channel using plastic film, in accordance with the present invention, consists of a plastic film wide enough to form a channel to transport water for flood irrigation and long enough to cover part or all of the Length of the furrows in cultivated plots. Along its entire length, said film includes, distributed equidistantly or not, a large number of perforations and/or frangible sections defined by tapering lines or by a succession of small perforations or cuts that form diverse shapes, which are removable to create successive, alternating, or discontinuous perforations through which the water is distributed to the root system of the crops, according to the type of crop and the amount of water it requires. Said plastic film is installed in the valleys formed by the furrows, generating a channel for transporting irrigation water and having its lateral edges buried in the sides or grooves of the furrow, completely covering the valleys and part of the sides of the furrow, with the cultivated plants on the ridge of the furrow.

The film should be buried along its edges in the sides of the furrows and the amount that is buried depends upon the type of soil; although it is preferably between 2 cm. and 5 cm., with an optimal width on each side of 3 cm., which will assure that the plastic does not become unburied and also that it will be easy to remove at the end of the crop cycle.

The large amount of perforations and/or frangible sections that are removable to create perforations through the film are provided to distribute the water to the land directly to the root system of the cultivated plants, so that the land is moistened uniformly.

The large amount of perforations and/or frangible sections that are removable to create perforations through the film can be of several shapes including circles, polygons, irregulars, ovals, or other diverse forms.

The large amount of perforations and/or frangible sections that are removable to create perforations through the film have a circular shape, with a diameter ranging between 1 and 3.5 inches, preferably 2 inches; the distance of separation in this version ranges from 20 cm and 50 cm. with an optimal distance between perforations of 30 cm.; in the case of the frangible sections that are removable to create perforations through the film, the farmer defines the distance of separation between perforations. The dimensions indicated are only one example that is presented with the plastic film, so the dimensions can vary according to the amount of water that is desired to flow through depending on the type of soil, crop, and its water requirements.

The width of the plastic film is in accordance with the distance between the furrows of each plot, with enough room to create a shape for the channel the permits water to pass over the plastic film.

The thickness of the film also depends on the land to which it is applied, and can range from 50 gauges (12.5 microns) to 125 gauges (31.25 microns), having an optimal thickness of 80 gauges (20 microns), although the thickness can vary according to the type of texture and structure of the soil, and the volume of water to transport, to avoid tearing. This results in a plastic film with sufficient resistance and durability for different types of terrain, or different films according to the type of terrain to which it will be applied.

In the version wherein the plastic film includes frangible sections that are removable to create perforations through the film, once the film is installed, the farmers can remove the frangible sections continuously, discontinuously, or in alternation, according to the irrigation needs and the type of crop, so that the required amount of water can be regulated.

The large amount of perforations and/or frangible sections that come are removable to create perforations through the film along the entire length of the plastic film can be made at the center of the transverse section of the film, in areas close to the sides, alternating between the two positions, or randomly. Although in the preferred embodiment of the invention the perforations are made in the center of the transverse section to allow the distribution of water in equal parts between the adjacent furrows to arrive to the root system of the plants in the adjacent furrows.

Said plastic film is preferably manufactured from low density linear polyethylene with different colored pigments, according to the type of application that is required. Other materials and diverse compositions can be used to generate the plastic film, which can be biodegradable or long-term; but they should preferably be resistant to sunlight, chemical fertilizers, herbicides and chemicals used in agriculture, for a prolonged period of time.

In one of the embodiments, the plastic film includes a white color, aluminum, or another color that can reflect light from the exposed exterior surface that faces the soil, and the opposite surface that faces the soil is a black color that prevents sun rays from passing through to the soil to avoid the growth of weeds and cause an increase in soil temperature; at the same time it permits the reflection of light so that it remains in a range that wards off organisms that are harmful to crops while stimulating the fight fertilization of the plants. As is known, the frequency of PAR light waves (photosynthetically active radiation) is in the range of 400 to 700 nanometers (nm) of the solar spectrum, which stimulates the growth of the plant while at the same time helping to control aphids, decreasing problems with viral infections.

The plastic film is preferably in place throughout the entire agricultural crop cycle so that irrigation can take place several times, and it is removed manually or with machinery to be recycled.

The land is prepared making furrows with a slope that permits the smooth transportation of water by gravity along the entire length of the channel or valley of the furrow, distributing the water from the highest end of the furrow.

The water may arrive at the furrows from rivers, streams, lakes, deep wells, reservoirs, or any other body of water available, using drains, open channels, tubes, and/or hoses.

Fertilizers and chemical products can be applied at the same time, dissolved in the irrigation water.

Once the water passes through the openings, the moisture is maintained in the soil for long periods of time since the film keeps it this way.

Among other advantages presented by the use and application of plastic film for the covering and shaping of the channels to transport flood irrigation by gravity to the crops as has been described, the following are mentioned:

The distributing of water to the root system of the crops is adequate and reliable since the perforations never become blocked and the water arrives to all the plants.

It is by means of a channel that the water flows and there is no need to use pumps; by simply opening a waterway, the irrigation channel is filled with water.

One irrigation application is enough to take the place of 3 or 4 of the prior water applications (depending on the crop); a third less water is used.

The application of fertilizers, herbicides, etc., to the crop is much less because it is uniform to all of the plants and goes directly to the root zone. Fertilizers, herbicides, and other chemical products can be dissolved in the water and are applied using the same channel formed by the plastic film. The savings in this case is considerable, because the application is much more effective and reduces the quantities needed, resulting in savings that can reach from 40% to 50%.

Electrical energy saving are very large; motors and pumps are not needed to provide pressure for the application of water. Electrical energy for pumps is only necessary in those cases where water must be brought to the land, so the expense for electrical energy is approximately one-third of what other systems require.

It controls the growth of weeds by not allowing light to pass through to the soil, leaving all soil nutrients for the cultivated plants.

It modifies the temperature of the soil; depending on the color of the plastic, the temperature can be modified according to the needs of the land.

The plastic maintains the temperature of the soil, creating a favorable environment for optimal development of the plants.

In cases where the plastic has reflective colors, the irrigation can also be used to reflect sunlight at a certain wavelength so as to ward off aphids and other organisms that are harmful to plants; the reflection of the plastic aids in the light fertilization of the plants.

The film can be installed manually or with a machine which consists of an attachment mounted to a tractor where the rolls of plastic film are mounted and then unrolled using a mechanism of lateral disks or wheels that press the side edges of the plastic film against the furrow, burying the edges in the furrow.

At the end of the furrow a small reservoir can be made with the plastic film so that the water can be held and absorbed.

To better understand the characteristics of the invention, drawings accompany the present description as an integral part of it, that are illustrative but not limited as such, which are described as follows:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a view of the plant from a portion of the plastic film for the flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, which is installed in the valleys or channels between furrows.

FIG. 2 shows a view of a plant in a portion of the plastic film that includes frangible sections that come off to create perforations.

FIG. 3 shows a conventional perspective of the plastic film for a flood irrigation system by channels in the furrows of the cultivated plots, illustrating its installation using a machine installed on a tractor.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a cultivated plot with the plastic film installed in the valleys or channels between furrows for the distribution of water to the root system.

For a better understanding of the invention, a detailed description of some of its modalities will be made, shown in the drawing attached to the present description that are illustrative but not limited as such.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The details characteristic of the flood irrigation system by channels with plastic film are clearly illustrated in the following description and in the included illustrative drawings which use reference symbols to indicate the parts.

FIG. 1 shows a view of a plant from a portion of plastic film for the flood irrigation system by channel with plastic film that is installed in the valleys or channels between furrows, in one of the preferred modalities. in said figure, the plastic film 1 has the necessary width to form a channel to transport flood irrigation water and the necessary length to cover part or all of the length of the furrows in the cultivated plot; said plastic film 1 in this embodiment includes along its entire length, distributed equidistantly or not, a large amount of circular perforations 2 through which water is distributed to the root system of the crops, according to the type of crop and the required amounts of water; said perforations 2 in this embodiment have a diameter “d” that ranges from 1 to 3.5 inches, preferably 2 inches; the distance of separation “s” in this embodiment ranges from 20 cm. to 50 cm. with an optimal distance between perforations of 30 cm.; the width “a” of the plastic film is in accordance with the space that exists between the furrows of each plot, with enough space to create the shape of the channel that permits the flow of water over the plastic film. The thickness of the film also depends on the land to which it is applied, and can range from 50 gauges (12.5 microns) to 125 gauges (31.25 microns), having an optimal thickness of 80 gauges (20 microns), although the thickness can vary according to the type of texture and structure of the soil, and the volume of water to transport, to avoid tearing. This results in a plastic film with sufficient resistance and durability for different types of terrain, or different films according to the type of terrain to which it will be applied.

The perforations can have different shapes, such as polygons, irregulars, ovals, or other diverse forms.

FIG. 2 shows a plant from a portion of plastic film which includes frangible sections that come off to create perforations in another of its modalities. In said figure, instead of perforations, the plastic film 1 includes frangible circular sections 3 defined by a succession of small perforations or cuts 4, which come off to create successive, alternating, or discontinuous perforations through which water is distributed to the root system of the crops, according to the type of crop and the required amounts of water; said plastic film 1 is installed in the valleys formed between the furrows, making a channel to transport irrigation water.

The large amount of frangible sections are removable, as desired, to generate perforations in the film through which water is distributed to the land directly to the root system of cultivated plants, so that the soil is moistened uniformly.

FIG. 3 shows a conventional perspective of the plastic film for the flood system of irrigation by channels in the furrows of the cultivated plots, illustrating the installation of the film with a machine installed on a tractor. In said figure, it can be observed that the plastic film 1 is installed in the valleys 5 between the furrows 6 forming a channel to transport irrigation water 7 and with its lateral edges 8 buried in the sides of the furrows 6 covering the entire valleys and part of the sides of the furrow 6, with the cultivated plants an the ridge of the furrow 6.

The film 1 should be buried along its edges 8 in the sides of the furrows 6 and the width that is buried is in accordance with the type of soil; although this preferably ranges from 2 cm to 5 cm. and 3 cm on each side is optimal, and ensures that the plastic does not become unburied and that it is easy to remove at the end of the crop cycle.

In the same FIG. 3 it can be observed that the plastic film 1 is installed with a machine that consists of an attachment 9 that is mounted to a tractor 10, where the rolls 11 of plastic film are mounted and unrolled using a mechanism of wheels 12 that turn to unroll the film and a mechanism of lateral disks 13 that press the side edges of the plastic film 1 against the furrow, burying the edges in the sides of the furrows 6.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a cultivated plot with the plastic film installed in the valleys or channels between furrows, for the distribution of water to the root system. In said figure, the plastic film 1 is installed in the valleys 5 between the furrows 6 to form a channel 7 which guides the flow of water 14 for flood irrigation by gravity, with its side edges 8 buried in the sides of the furrows 6, completely covering the valleys 5 and part of the sides of the furrows 6, with the cultivated plants 15 on the ridge of the furrows 6.

In this way, the flow of water 14 is distributed through the perforations (not shown), creating a bulb of moisture 16 that covers a large part of the root system 17 of the plants 15.

The invention has been sufficiently described so that a person with average knowledge of the subject can reproduce and obtain the results that we mention with the present invention. However, any person skilled in the technical field that the present invention involves may be capable of making modifications not described in the present application. However, if in the application of these modifications in a determined structure or in the manufacturing process of that structure, the material contained in the following claims is required, said structures should be considered part of the invention. 

1. A flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film with perforations and/or frangible sections defined by tapering lines or by a succession of small perforations or cuts that upon being removed define perforations, wherein said plastic film has the necessary width to be installed in the furrows of the cultivated land and form an open channel that covers the entire valleys and part of the sides of the furrows, leaving the ridge of the furrow exposed where the plants are grown, and through which the flow of flood irrigation water is guided; where said perforations or frangible sections that upon detaching create perforations and permit the distribution of water with or without fertilizers, herbicides, and/or other chemical products dissolved in it directly to the root system of the plants; said perforations or frangible strips, distributed equidistantly or not, and in successive, alternating, or discontinuous patterns, and located at the center of the cross section of the film, in areas close to the sides, either alternating between the two positions or randomly, so that water distribution is uniform, with the required amount depending on the type of crop; said film is installed manually or with a machine, in which the side edges of the plastic film are buried or pressed into the sides of the furrows, with the edges of said film being buried up to 2 cm to 5 cm to be secured in the ground.
 2. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with claim 1, wherein the width of the plastic film is dependent upon the distance that exists between furrows in each plot, with enough space to create the shape of the channel that will permit water to pass over the plastic film.
 3. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with claim 1, wherein said perforations and/or frangible sections that come off to create perforations, have a circular shape with a diameter that ranges from 1 to 3.5 inches, preferably 2 inches.
 4. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with claim 1, wherein the distance of separation between said perforations and/or frangible sections that come off to create perforations, is between 20 cm and 50 cm, with an optimal distance between perforations of 30 cm.
 5. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with claim 1, wherein the thickness of the film is in a range of 50 gauges (12.5 microns) to 125 gauges (31.25 microns), and preferably is 80 gauges (20 microns).
 6. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with claim 1, wherein said machine for installing the plastic film consists of an attachment that is mounted to a tractor, where the rolls of plastic film are installed crosswise, with a mechanism of side wheels that turn to unroll the film and a mechanism of disks mounted laterally that press the side edges of the plastic film against the furrow, burying the edges in the sides of the furrows.
 7. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with the claim 1, wherein said plastic film includes one exterior exposed side and one side that faces the ground, both black in color.
 8. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with the claim 7, wherein said exterior side has a reflective color for the reflection of light that keeps the light spectrum in a range to ward off organisms that are harmful to crops and stimulate the light fertilization of plants, with the opposite side being black in color to prevent sun rays from passing through to the soil, preventing the growth of weeds and stimulating an increase in soil temperature.
 9. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with claim 1, wherein at the end of each furrow, said plastic film forms a small reservoir or containment barrier at the ends of the furrows to allow water to be held and completely absorbed. 